The Brave Ski Mom

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Gear Notes: Heat Holders and Thermacell (Giveaways)

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Giving away one set of Thermacell insoles + reviews of Heat Holders layers and socks.

Heat Holders Socks, Baselayers and Leggings

brave ski mom logoHeat Holders is a British company, with distribution in North America, founded by David Doughty and inspired by the less-than-warm thermal socks his young son once wore for soccer.

With a background in the sock industry, Doughty wanted to craft thermal socks that would actually be warm. So, he developed an extra-soft acrylic, long-loop fabric to trap and hold warm air close to the body.

heat holders thermal layers
At $24.99 per piece, this is an excellent price point for utilitarian layers. They don’t fit as well as the image on the box, but they are undoubtedly warm.

I’ve recently been testing Heat Holders LITE Thermal Socks ($16.99) , insulating leggings ($14.99) and micro fleece baselayers ($24.99 for the top and $24.99 for the bottom)

As you might have noticed, these are low prices. And while I’m always up for a bargain, the bargain has to perform. 

Here’s what I think.

Ladies LITE Long Socks

heat holdersA bit thicker than most of my ski socks, these fit well and are, as advertised, extremely soft.

I had no problem with them until I washed them…and put them in the dryer. MISTAKE.

The care instructions clearly state that all Heat Holders products should be line-dried. To make that more clear: no tumble dryer, ever. 

The exterior of the sock is still attractive, the socks still fit well and they are still warm, but the interior pile is a bit clumpy and pilled and I suspect I’m shortened their useful life.

Still, I have no problem recommending these inexpensive socks for kids and adults who like a thicker sock (remember, these were the LITE socks — the others may be even thicker) and are happiest when their feet are well-cushioned.

Micro Fleece Baselayers

If I worked for Consumer Reports, I’d have no option but to name these baselayers a “best buy.”

heat holders thermal underwear
Basic, basic, basic Microfleece baselayers from Heat Holders are nothing fancy (and I don’t find the fit this flattering). But they are warm, warm, warm.

Utilitarian in design, with a long-sleeve quarter-zip top and basic pants, these micro fleece layers are really warm. I first tried them in my home, on a frigid day, wearing them alone while working in my office. I was toasty.

Next, I wore them skiing and I didn’t need a sweater. And, while I expected the polyester fabric to retain odor, these layers were no more stinky after several wearings (without washing) than my other baselayers. As for sizing, I ordered up one size anticipating that they might run small. They did not, although the shapes are rather boxy and the fabric is thick which means they take up extra space under your ski clothes. Body-skimming, these are not.

On the downside, you must follow the care instructions. The dye will run and will stain. But if you follow the care instructions (which clearly say to separate by color!), wash them separately and hang them dry, they’re a solid choice. While I can’t say how they’ll hold up over time and multiple wearings/washings, the price makes them a great deal.

Now, if only Heat Holders would make these for kids (hint, hint!).

Insulating Leggings

Compared to cotton leggings, there is no comparison. These leggings are made of a brushed polyester fabric that is soft and comfy, is the right weight for warmth and modesty, and fits well with no bagging or sagging. And they are warm, warm, warm. Pair them with a skirt and boot and venture into even the coldest weather. I love mine. And I’m washing them properly.

The Verdict

Plain Jane, serviceable, soft, warm and value-priced, these socks and layers deliver exactly what they promise. The quality is fine for the price and so far, they are holding up well. Follow the care instructions!

Thermacell Heated Insoles

I was given some Thermacell insoles last winter to try and they were not a good fit for me, mostly because I refuse to switch out the custom insoles in my ski boots. That’s just how I am: I’m a footbed true believer. And while I’m not an ice fisher, my brother is and he thought they’d be great for cold days on ice. The problem was, the insoles I had were much too small for him.

Luckily, my ski writer friend Richie Silver did the hard work of testing this product.

Here’s his review.

Don’t Get Cold Feet!

profile hd heated insolesThe new Thermacell ProFlex Heated Insoles provide all day foot warming comfort at the touch of a button. Cushioned batteries fit flat into heavy-duty cut-to-size comfort footbeds and are controlled—-wait for it——by your smartphone!

Download the free app for Android or iPhone, pair via Bluetooth technology and cold feet will be a thing of the past. The high-capacity batteries pop out easily and charge in less than 2 hours, providing up to 8 hours of cozy toesies. You can even regulate left and right separately with 3 temperature settings right on your phone. All day warmth and comfort…sign me up! 

Giveaway 1

Heat Holders has generously donated one pair of socks and one set of baselayers for giveaway! 

To enter, please leave a comment. For an additional entry, please follow Heat Holders on Facebook or Twitter.

One winner will be chosen randomly on March 1, 2017.

Giveaway 2

thermacell insoles
Last year’s product — never used — this year’s giveaway. US addresses only, please.

While Richie reviewed the newest iteration of the ProFlex insoles, I’ve got a brand-new, still in the box pair from last season that I’m giving away! They are controlled by a small remote that you keep in your pocket, rather than your smartphone. They fit Women’s sizes 8.5-10 or Men’s 7.5-9.

Interested? Leave a comment. One winner will be chosen randomly on March 1, 2017. I apologize but the Thermacell giveaway is open to US mailing addresses only.

Good luck!

Many thanks to Heat Holders and Thermacell for providing product to facilitate this post. As always all opinions are my own and are exactly what I would tell my family and friends. 

This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to Danielle and Roberto!

More 2016-2017 Gear Notes

© 2017 – 2018, braveskimom. All rights reserved. Any use or publication of content, including photos, requires express permission.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Pretty sure these are the socks I always buy here in Canada and love. They are super warm and thick. Wearing them right now. 😉
    I would love to try the base layers.
    I follow the company on FB and on Twitter.

  3. I could always use a new pair of socks and a baselayer set! And I’m following Heat Holders on FB.

  4. I’d love the heated insoles, but I’m kin Canada. The heat holders, socks and base layers would definitely be used too!!! 🙂 It’s cold half the year here! Followed them on Twitter and Facebook too!

    • Thanks Karen! Interestingly, I think everyone who has entered is from Canada. Apparently the unseasonably warm temps in the US have us down south here thinking of summer! 🙂

  5. Always looking for new ways to stay warm out on the slopes. These all look great. Despite today’s high 60s in CT, I’m certain I’d get good use out of these. Liked, followed, tweeted and shared!

  8. More socks for the collection, always in need. The heated insoles look interesting and for MN winters a definitly would be useful.

  9. The older I get the more I seem to need heat ! These sound great. Liked on facebook and twitter [[ Jones Foxx Jr. and mutantpoo ]

  10. As you know it can be quite chilly here in Minnesota! I haven’t tried either but would really love too! Following them both on Twitter and FB!

  11. Drats, looks like I missed the entry deadline. I have been looking at heated insoles for my daughter- her poor toes don’t take to the cold, yet she loves to ski.

    • Yes, I’m afraid the insoles have been awarded and mailed off! Look for them online. They might work really well for your daughter. The other thing to try is making sure the two lowest boot buckles (those over her instep) are not too tight. They should be loose to prevent cutting off circulation to the feet. I have four buckle boots and the lowest two are buckled on the first groove (I don’t know what those parts of the buckle are called!), while the upper two around my leg are buckled on the third groove.

      Cheers!